November 30, 2011

According to Jessica Grose at XXfactor ("What women really think"), this is a terrible gift — "completely insane" — because "even if your wealth is at Bloombergian levels, no one in the universe needs a $2,200 limited-edition rickshaw from Anthropologie.... Populist outrage is way too easy to inspire with such fripperies..."

Populist outrage? Fripperies? If that's supposed to be economic analysis... hello! Consumer spending drives the economy. The country needs people to buy things. What's with the Puritanical whining about having fun tooling around town in a colorful rickshaw? And the price is $2,200? Has Grose noticed the prices of normal bikes? This thing is a bargain! In fact, if you click through to Anthropologie, you'll see "This product is no longer available." I'm not surprised. It's totally adorable. I had fantasies of riding around Madison in the passenger seat of this thing. Why, it would be the perfect gift for Meade!

What women really think... You tell me: Who's speaking The Mind of the Woman: me or Jessica Grose?

oh, oh, I am so waiting for Chip Ahoy to put you in the passenger seat of that thing draped in a Sari with a veil over your face and Meade (in a turban of course) pulling your weight in the front. ha..ha..

Yeah because spending 2k on a bike is way to extravagant and ridiculous.

That looks like it could be a great gift to really give a family some hilarious time together.

Biking with my wife and daughter on that thing down the cape cod canal on a beautiful fall day would probably be one of those memorys that brings a warm peace that wraps you up in forever when your lying on that oh so cold deathbed.

While on assignment in Miami's Coconut Grove enclave, we underlings stuck the manager in one while drinking beers at the sidewalk cafe'. We happily paid $1 a minute to watch her glide around the block and she happily watched the young man work up a sweat.

Congressman Manny Pacquiao pedaled one of these on the streets of General Santos in Mindanao for several years before he took up boxing and tipping American elections in favor of sitting senate majority leaders.

Can't you just picture us in/on this contraption, riding up State Street, joining an impromptu protest parade around the Capitol?

You would need to perfect your ergonomically correct "Queen Wave" so you could smile and sedately and wave upon those not so fortunate. Maybe wear a tiara too. That would be great! Really. You should do it and take video.

Not only do you get your exercise, you can save the world (or something) by not driving your car to the corner market for those quick grocery trips or take along a good picnic lunch, blankets and all for an afternoon in the park. I have one and love it.

****But WAIT there's more. If you buy one today using the Althouse link you will be supporting this blog and putting moolah in your hostesses pocket!!! Order NOW!!!!

There....never let it be said that I'm against capitalism or you monetizing your blog

I see lots of tricycles in my part of FL, what with the Amish/Mennonite community. This rickshaw has a certain pizzazz, though.

My suggestion for improvement would be to replace the rider and bike gears with the engine and transmission of that TT sitting in the garage. That would solve the hill problem rather nicely. The power-to-weight ratio ought to be amazing in its own right.

I don't like how it looks, but I'm not a big fan of the aesthetic style of Anthropologie.

When I get outside in the summer I like to be moving, not sitting.

But small children might have fun sitting in this.

In terms of the Puritan reaction, I'm guessing the recession in the USA is causing Americans to get frugal. Maybe the wider culture is starting to follow, like Eleanor Roosevelt serving cheap, bland food in the White House.

"Who's speaking the mind of woman:?" Answer: Neither. Women do not speak, nor think, as one. Contrary to popular belief.Neither do men.Speak for yourself!

Anthropologie markets its product for a particular type of woman: educated/credentialled, moneyed, bohemian, probably liberal. Ms. Grose is more likely than not that woman, an Anthropologie Woman. In her opinion, this rickshaw product by Anthropologie is not something that is appropriate for Anthropologie Woman.

Back in the '70s my stepfather had a pretty bad series of small strokes. He became unable to drive and then, later, became known for going about our smalltown on his three wheeled Schwinn.

It helped him keep his independence and, I believe, the excercize added years to his life. Ann and Meade should really get one, only they should take turns or maybe Meade pedals out, Ann pedals back. Add health and years to both lives!